Ian Green, baritone

Vicar Gedge in Britten’s Albert Herring

“I saw my first opera when I was 14 and have been hooked ever since.”

Ian Green

Where are you from? How did you first get interested in opera or musical theatre?

I am from England originally but have lived in Cape Breton Nova Scotia for 19 years. I saw my first opera when I was 14 and have been hooked ever since. My Mother was very musical so I had piano lessons and for a short while cello lessons.Music was definately encouraged.

When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

I only started studying voice about two years ago, seriously since last September. My voice teacher is the very talented Robyn Cathcat in Cape Breton.
What came first for you, theatre or music?

Probably music , though we went to the theatre as a family from a very early age. I saw my first pantomime at about age 10, my first ballet at 13. I was very fortunate.

What are your dream roles?

Falstaff so funny, Peter Grimes and Billy Budd so tragic or any Wagnerian role, so heroic and often doomed!

What arias, songs or entire roles belonging to other voice types would you like to perform?

Any of the female voices from Der Rosenkavalier, in my mind some of the most gorgeous music composed for the female voice.

Who are your favourite performing artists?

Jonas Kaufmann, Bryn Terfel, Angela Gheorgiou.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your phone/tablet/streaming playlist?

I have to admit I only play music that I am learning.

How should we as interpretive artists deal with works that are racist and/or sexist? What can be done to make opera relevant to the next generation?:

We should deal with life as it is now, trying to obliterate history. Opera has to be seen as not elitist. Shout from the roof tops that there are very cheap seats in the Opera houses. Take opera into the schools .The performing arts are as important as sports in developing a child ,or adult for that matter.

What are you most looking forward to about this summer?

In my wildest dreams I never thought this opportunity would arise. Learning in a supportive atmosphere and walking 5 minutes to a reheasal and not driving one and a half hours .

Thanks, Ian!

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